Following confirmation that the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid will be launching in Malaysia this month, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has opened order books for the hybrid car.

Hyundai’s rival to the Toyota Prius (of which the latest fourth-gen version will not be sold in Malaysia) will be locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah to take advantage of government incentives for CKD Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEVs). The estimated price of (a well-equipped, we understand) Ioniq Hybrid is from RM130k.

“The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, promises a pleasurable driving experience. It will not only appeal to eco and fuel-efficiency oriented buyers but also car buyers who are looking for a car with advanced technologies, great performance and a stylish design,” said Lau Yit Mun, MD of HSDM.

The (non-plug-in) hybrid version of the Ioniq – which was designed to also accommodate plug-in hybrid and EV systems – went on sale in the UK last month, which means that we’re pretty quick off the mark here. Malaysia will also be the first location outside of Ulsan in South Korea to assemble the Ioniq.

The Ioniq Hybrid is powered by a 1.6 litre Kappa GDI four-cylinder direct injection engine, producing 105 PS at 5,700 rpm and 147 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Hyundai claims that this internal combustion engine has the world’s highest thermal efficiency at 40%. Interestingly, that’s the same claim with the same 40% figure as Toyota’s current fourth-gen Prius.

The electric motor was specifically designed for world-class efficiency, with optimisation measures including up to 10% thinner core components (electrical steel sheet) and rectangular-section copper wire for reduced core and copper loss. The motor enables the Ioniq to run in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 120 km/h.

A unique point compared to Japanese hybrids is the use of a DCT over a CVT. Hyundai claims that its dual-clutch ‘box has best-in-class transfer efficiency through the use of low-friction bearings and low-viscosity transmission oil. It also features Sport and Eco modes – the former holds on to lower gears for longer, while the latter shifts up earlier to higher gears for maximum fuel efficiency.

The Ioniq is built on a new dedicated platform, and benefits from a number of weight-saving measures, including the use of an aluminium bonnet and tailgate that shaves 12.4 kg off steel versions. The material is also used on a large proportion of suspension parts to save around 10 kg, including 4.6 kg off the front lower arms and 7.14 kg off the rear lower arms. Even the cargo cover on the Ioniq is around 25% lighter than on other Hyundai models.

Under the skin, a multi-link rear suspension system with dual lower arms enhances ride comfort, Hyundai says, while the steering has been tuned for clear and precise response and feedback, with an increased ratio for a sportier character. The brakes have also been optimised to maximise regenerative braking performance.

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

This car is still new yet even in Europe. The DCT gearbox whether reliable to use in our hot country is questionable. We all know VW DCT is unreliable though. PT is missing some very important information though. What is the safety equipment on this car ??? It was never mentioned at all. Kudos to the independent rear suspension though. It is almost getting extinct for a C-segment these days. Even the 3rd generation Toyota Prius uses a torsion beam at the rear. Only the Lexus CT200h has a multi-link rear suspension.

toyota prius is not designed for handling. why need multi link? torsion beam is a lot better because it reduces space required and the floor can be lower. do you know that previous civic type R did use torsion beam? multi link can be noisier because too many points attached to the body. torsion beam reduces the amount of flex between left camber and right camber – it is acting like a big stabiliser bar.

To be same league with Prius u must fork out 240k.Better buy Merc or Bimmer.Prius C also at 150k.Better buy Accord.Prius not worth to mention at the moments.Hybrid at our market totally a corrupt decision ever exists.Why must pay high tax to help debted government? The cheaper car we buy,the more struggle for them to survive.Spend less people!

I am shocked at this Hyundai Hybrid. Amazing how Hyundai has come out with an equivalent to Camry Hybrid.

My question is this…where is Proton’s Hybrid and EV cars? Proton promised their Hybrid 8 years ago. They took lots of our money to do research to develop a hybrid. Where has the money gone and where is the Proton Hybrid?

Then Proton showcased their EV Iriz 3 years ago. Big hoo haa. They again asked gomen more money to come out with a production Iriz EV. What happened? Where is the money and where is the car? Our money mah!
I am shocked Hyundai can do so well. The company is only 10 years older than Proton. And yet, Hyundai sells 9 million vehicles globally per annum. Proton only sells 50,000 vehicles per annum and bulk of it is purchased by the Government departments to “help” Proton.

It has more chance to sell well if it was around RM100k. But anyway, also understand that RM is small right now. As most of the parts are imported, this will be the kind of price we are getting. Anyway, I do quite like the car but sadly, it might be not for me that I couldn’t afford.

For RM130k, for a hybrid….the ownership cost is going to be an expensive option…cost of service and parts will be expensive. And you will need to send your car to a Hyundai dealer to maintain your car..i drive a Toyota Prius C. You do save money on petrol but you pay alot more in other areas. Example is wheel bearings, each cost RM 1500 per wheel. While at an OEM its a mere RM290 each. So for those who think about long term savings, please think again. Cost factors include petrol consumption, loan, interest, cost of service etc….do your calculations properly…plus include 2nd hand value…this is view and opinion…

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